The Trofeo Alfredo Binda was Marianne Vos' first road race since last September, but the Jumbo Visma rider held on in a chase group of about 20 riders until the final 9km.

The 35-year-old ended her cyclocross season early, skipping her world title defense before undergoing surgery for a pelvic artery stenosis in mid-February and being off the bike for 10 days.

A 20th-place finish in the 139-km Trofeo Binda may not have been what she had hoped for in her return to road racing in Italy, where she has tasted victory four times, but the fact that she was able to hold on to the top spots after her return is a testament to the success of her two other road races, the March 29 Doire de Flenderen and Tour of Flanders on April 4, bodes well for her next goals.

"In the end, the team came together to put Marianne in a good position," said Jumbo Visma race coach Carmen Small. She then had an unfortunate cramp, which somewhat discouraged everyone.

"Nevertheless, it is a good starting point after her surgery. It is encouraging that Marianne has already demonstrated this level of ability, but it is always disappointing when a plan cannot be carried out to the end."

The race was won by Shirin van Unrooy (Trek-Segafredo), who attacked on the descent of Olino with less than 25 km to go. The Dutch rider held off the chasing pack, which was 23 seconds behind the rest of the podium.

Vos, who had been training to wear the number in Tenerife, finished 1:31 behind van Ambrooy, who won this year's U23 cyclo-cross world title. Vos was swallowed up by a second group of road riders led by Lorena Wiebes (SD Walks), Grace Brown (FDJ Suez), and Vos in 20th place, with teammate Carline Swinkels in the same group.

"This race left us with mixed emotions," Small said. Marianne had to escape on the final climb due to cramps in both legs."

"Despite that setback, the whole team rode well today. They did what we asked them to do."

"They did what we asked them to do.

The women's Jumbo Visma team has yet to score its first win of the season.

However, Colin Labecki and Karlzin Swinkels made the podium at Setmana Valenciana Femines, and Swinkels was caught just before the last lap at Trofeo Binda.